When James and John asked Christ, “Grant us that we may sit,
one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory,” Jesus
responded with a challenge, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to
drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized
with?” (Mark 10.37-38) What the disciples were hoping for glory was not quite what
Jesus had in mind.
Many of us seek glory in life. We desire to be honored by
our family, friends and coworkers. We desire to be recognized for the hard work
and accomplishments we collect throughout our adult careers. We expect that our
worldly success will gain us influence among our neighbors and fellow citizens
of society. We even dare many times to think that God will ring the bells of
heaven “just because” we are entering the Holy Gates. But that isn’t the type
of glory Jesus had in mind.
Jesus said, “You know that those who are considered rulers
over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority
over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great
among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall
be slave of all.” (Mark 10.42-44)
The sort of glory Jesus had in mind was serving our fellow
human beings, and worrying more about their needs than our own glory. The sort
of glory Jesus had in mind was for us to become like Him, “For even the Son of
Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10.45) The other kinds of
glory…..let’s leave that sort of glory for those outside the Kingdom.
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